We’re very pleased to announce that “Drying Sails in Camden Harbor” by Brad Betts was selected for the AWARD OF EXCELLENCE at the 38th Annual International Marine Art Exhibition at The Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport. The award recognizes paintings that are “outstanding examples of creativity, insight and integrity in marine art.”

“Drying Sails in Camden Harbor”, 24×18, oil on canvas

PAINTING INSPIRATION:

From our campsite in Camden Hills State Park, we climbed partway up Mount Megunticook, down a ravine, up and over Mount Battie before descending the boulder-strewn south face into town. After miles of hiking through the dark confines of the woods, we now walked in neighborhood streets past old homes and the local library to a lawn overlooking the bustling harbor. A green schooner glided to a wharf, its red sails glowing against the blue sky. Sailboats coasted in the narrow aisles of water between the floats, painted buildings lined the wooden docks and people hurried by in all directions. We were taken by the beauty of the scene and a sense that time had stood still: we had entered a world unchanged since the 1800s. We were neighbors from a nearby village, traveling into town to sell our wares, stock up on dry goods or simply hear the latest news.